Posts Tagged Kids
Elusive Moose (the book)
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on January 29, 2011
I came across this book recently and just had to feature it here. I could hardly believe it when I saw the title. What a coincidence! I asked the publishers, Barefoot Books, to send me a copy, which they kindly did. And you know what? Turns out this is actually a little gem of a book. And I’m not saying this just because of the awesome title 
The book, written by Joan Gannij and illustrated by Clare Beaton, was published in 2007, and received the Oppenheimen Book Award in the US that year. It’s a hide-and-seek rhyme book aimed at toddlers and pre-school children, illustrated with photographs of lovely felt appliqués. The simple rhyming text is perfect for young children, and the illustrations are detailed enough to warrant many re-readings. The book also features some useful background info on wild Nordic animals, and their tracks. A great introduction to the king of the forest.
Elusive Moose, by Joan Gannij, illustrated by Clare Beaton. ISBN 1846860016, available from Amazon in the UK and the US, or from www.barefootbooks.com
Gamlebyen Model Railway, Fredrikstad
Posted by admin in Travel and practical stuff on January 14, 2011
It boasts three kilometres of tracks, 110 locomotives, 600 carriages/wagons and some 3,000 buildings spread out over an area of 270 square metres. The Gamlebyen Model Railway has become one of Fredrikstad’s most popular attractions, welcoming over 9,000 visitors since opening in September 2010. The project is the labour of love of a local journalist turned businessman, who bought the building in the Old Town a few years ago to house what he hoped would one day become Scandinavia’s largest model railway. And although Arne Børresen had to borrow 9 million Norwegian kroner to finance his venture (an investment that will take a while to recoup), Gamlebyen Model Railway has struck a chord among rail enthusiasts of all ages. Plans for extension are afloat, which will almost double the size of the operation – and turn Arne Børresen’s dream into a reality. So watch this space.
You will find pictures of the Gamlebyen Model Railway at www.gbmj.no (Norwegian only).
Voldgaten 8, Gamlebyen, Fredrikstad. Open weekends only, Sat 11am-4pm, Sun noon-4pm. Admission 30Kr.
Kjerringåsen, Sarpsborg
Can’t wait to go skiing again? Kjerringåsen in Sarpsborg opens for the season this weekend. This is the largest of only two Alpine ski centres in Østfold, best suited for beginners or intermediate skiers. There are three ski lifts, and five downhill slopes (the longest 650m), including one kids’ slope. Open 10am-9pm Mon-Fri, until 7pm at the weekend (see opening times for the Christmas holiday under ‘comments’). Day pass 260kr (210kr for kids up to 15 years). Morning, afternoon and evening passes also available. Cafe and equipment hire on site (220kr per day for a complete Alpine set).
You can also go cross-country skiing here, as there are several tracks nearby, some of them floodlit in the evening. There is no charge for cross-country skiing.
Alpinveien 109, Sarpsborg (off the Rv114 between Sarpsborg and Nordby). Tel: 69 14 81 85, www.kjerringaasen.no (Norwegian only).
Foten, Fredrikstad (Beach)
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors on July 16, 2010
This cute spot just outside Fredrikstad was voted best beach in Norway in 2006 by VG newspaper, and it is easy to see why. It’s a great place for anyone, from families with young kids who spend the day by the small shallow sandy beach to couples who take over in the evening for a late swim and/or a romantic walk watching the sun set over the Oslofjord, not to mention those coming here for a BBQ between friends, or even to cast a line from one of the many rocky outputs.
There are toilets on site, picnic tables and a kiosk selling drinks and food, as well as a beach volleyball pitch and a diving tower. You have to pay to leave your car at the nearby car park in high season (30Kr) during the day (until 5pm), so make sure you’ve got some change with you. There are many hytter (summer houses) in the area, so the place can get a bit busy at times. Go for a walk and explore the surrounding area if you get tired on sunbathing after a while – going to the end of the peninsula only takes about half an hour, and from there you’ll have great views of the fjord and surrounding islets.
How to get there: From Fredrikstad follow Rv110 towards Ørebekk, then left at the roundabout towards Gressvik. Follow Rv117 (Vikaneveien) for a few kilometers towards Vikane until you see a Kiwi supermarket on your left. Take it left towards Øyenkilen and follow signs for Foten from here. If you’re using public transport bus no.302 runs between Øyenkilen and Vikane/Fredrikstad pretty much every hour daily (see http://www.ostfold-kollektiv.no/userfiles/302.pdf for timetable).
Storesand, Hvaler (Beach)
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors on June 15, 2010
On the island of Kirkeøy on Hvaler, this is Østfold’s longest, and arguably best, sand beach. Storesand, which is quite sheltered, has a cafe (open in summer only), and there is also a little campsite nearby at Døvika (tents only). Please note that motorised vehicles are not permitted on the beach. It’s a popular place in summer, particularly with families, and the beach can get a bit crowded at weekends. There is a big car park nearby if you’re coming by car (the first three hours are free, but you must take a ticket at the machine and display it behind your windscreen), otherwise bus no.365 from Fredrikstad runs several times daily to Skjærhalden, and there is a stop for the beach.
How to get here: From Fredrikstad follow Rv 108 all the way to Kirkeøy (the island after the tunnel) until you get to a big crossroad. You’ll see the car park on your right here. Then it’s only a short walk (about 500m) to the beach on a small dust road.
Norwegian fashion labels for kids
It’s not fair! Kids’ clothes are so much fun, why don’t they make them in adult sizes? Anyway, here are some seriously cool Norwegian fashion labels for children, for those of you who take their fashion seriously (and don’t mind spending a small fortune to spoil the kids). Yes yes, of course they’re worth it :-)
- Dundelina: A unique, inspired concept that combines fashion and storytelling with beautiful children’s clothes, accessories and books that interact with each other. Girls will feel like real fairytale princesses in those clothes… well, I know I would! www.dundelina.com (English)
- Ugly Children’s Clothing: Tongue-in-cheek clothes for newborns and toddlers. The name might not ring a bell, but you will recognise some of the designs (like the popular Norwegian lice sweater body). Their new ugly milk collection is also fun. www.uglycc.com (English)
- Lille Lam (Little Lamb): Specialises in 100% merino wool clothes in pastel colours for boys and girls aged 0-10 years. Great for kids who itch in other materials. www.lillelam.no (Norwegian only)
- Lille Barn: Classic childrenswear with a Scandinavian feel. For children aged 0-6 years. Available in the UK too. www.lillebarn.com (English web page under development)
- My Cinnamon Girl: A relative newcomer on the scene, My Cinnamon Girl offers clothes in delicate colours, beautiful fabrics for both boys and girls, plus matching clothes for mums and daughters. http://mycinnamongirl.com (English)